Benji thrust into finals contention

Benji Marshall, step right up. The veteran playmaker has been thrust into the hot seat for Brisbane’s qualifying final against the Roosters after Broncos fullback and skipper Darius Boyd was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Marshall will return to the Tigers in 2018 but still has a vital role to play for Brisbane, who enter the clash at Allianz Stadium minus Boyd, hooker Andrew McCullough and prop Korbin Sims.

Boyd had been given some hope of suiting up but ruled himself out on Monday, telling Fox Sports he had endured a weak hamstring since snapping his Achilles in 2015.

‘‘I’m not playing. Hammies, you can’t rush them,’’ Boyd said. ‘‘It’s nothing new, I’ve been dealing with it for a couple of years now - it’s old age.

‘‘To be honest, it’s a recurring thing ever since I did my Achilles, I have a weak left hamstring. I’ve had a bit of pain in the weeks leading up and hopefully I get it right for the next week or two.’’

Brisbane have the luxury of a second chance in the final but Boyd wasn’t able to confirm his availability for round two either. In his absence, Kodi Nikorima stands to move to fullback, with Marshall to join Anthony Milford in the halves.

Marshall has made 10 appearances for the Broncos this season, being sparingly used at the start of the year before becoming a handy addition late in the season.

His past four games have been off the interchange bench, while in limited minutes during the season he has contributed only two try assists and a solitary line break.

The Roosters will be without forward Zane Tetevano, who was charged with a grade 3 reckless high tackle in the win over the Titans.